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Bill

SJR 67

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing a statewide referendum allowing voters to indicate a preference for observing year-round standard time or daylight saving time and authorizing the legislature to enact legislation that gives effect to the preferred option.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Paul Bettencourt

Texas would let voters choose between permanent standard or daylight saving time via referendum, then authorize legislature to implement the preference.

Referred to State Affairs
#daylightsavingtime(i0210) #elections--initiative #referendum&recall(i0300) #resolutions--constitutionalamendments(i0661)
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Bill Summary · SJR 67

Legislative bill overview

SJR 67 proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow Texas voters to decide via statewide referendum whether the state should observe year-round standard time or year-round daylight saving time. If approved by voters, the legislature would then be authorized to enact legislation implementing whichever option Texans prefer, effectively ending the twice-yearly time changes currently mandated by federal law.

Why this is important

Time changes affect sleep schedules, health outcomes, business operations, and public safety across an entire state. Currently, Texas is bound by the Uniform Time Act, which limits state options. This proposal would give Texans direct democratic input on a quality-of-life issue that impacts everyone daily while also requiring federal exemption authority to fully implement the chosen outcome.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal law limitations: Texas cannot unilaterally observe year-round daylight saving time without federal authorization; only permanent standard time can be adopted without federal approval, potentially limiting the referendum's effectiveness
  • Economic and health trade-offs: Permanent standard time means darker winter mornings affecting commute safety and commerce; permanent daylight saving time disrupts sleep schedules and circadian rhythms, with research showing mixed public health outcomes
  • Business and interstate coordination: Texas businesses operating across state lines or nationally may face complications if Texas operates on different time than neighboring states or federal requirements

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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